Petitioning Tunisian Government : Amina must be safe

A 19-year-old Tunisian woman, Amina Tyler, stood up for women worldwide when she posted a topless photo of herself, bearing the words “My body belongs to me, and is not the source of anyone’s honour” in Arabic on her body.

In response to this act, a Tunisian cleric and the chair of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, allegedly said that Amina “deserves to be stoned to death” and said her act “could bring about an epidemic ... It could be contagious and give ideas to other women.” Others in Tunisia have called for Amina to be criminally punished for her actions, including flogging, fines, and time in prison.

But the world supports Amina. I read about Amina Tyler from all the way in Argentina, and I was inspired by her brave act and her call for women’s rights. Women do not belong to anyone “as a source of honor” and deserve to be treated equally and with respect around the globe.

That’s why we’re standing in solidarity with Amina, and call on the Tunisian government to demand that her life and liberty are protected, and that she is kept safe from those who are calling for her death, for her to be beaten, or for her to be imprisoned solely for speaking up women.

19 year old Tunisian Amina who posted a topless photo of herself bearing the slogan “my body belongs to me, and is not the source of anyone's honour” has been threatened with death.

Islamist cleric Adel Almi, president of Al-Jamia Al-Li-Wassatia Tawia Wal-Islah has called for Amina's flogging and stoning to death saying Amina's actions will bring misfortune by causing "epidemics and disasters" and "could be contagious and give ideas to other women..."

I unequivocally defend Amina, and demand that her life and liberty are protected and that those who have threatened her be immediately prosecuted.